Why Do I Sew My Own Clothes?

I'm asked this question a LOT. Why bother sewing garments for yourself when ready-to-wear is so inexpensive? I'm glad you asked!

1. The sizing is spot on. No need to take in a waist or hem a pant leg, the clothes are made to your measurements. As long as you have an honest relationship with your tape measure, the clothes will fit and make you feel marvelous. 
2. Fabric choices are vast. Go into any fabric store or browse an online retailer and you will find more options to make that little black dress than you thought possible. Nordstrom may only have two to choose from this season.
3. No one else will be wearing what you're wearing. Normally I'm not one to care about such things, but it is nice to know that the dress I wear to weddings, no matter how often I bring it out, will be unique in the crowd because I made it.
4. This season's fashion offerings may not suit you. The color palette, hem length, or skinny vs. flare pant legs may not appeal to me or flatter my figure at all. By choosing patterns that DO fit and flatter me, I don't have to feel awkward wearing this season's off-the rack styles (indie pattern designers are amazing at making cool clothes that fit and flatter all body types). When you're sewing for your children, especially girls, being able to make skirts and shorts the length you want your daughter to wear is empowering. This season's shorts look more like underwear? I've got you covered, dearrie. And you can pick out the print of the fabric.
5. Creative expression. I feel great wearing something I've made with my own two hands. That feeling of pride and self-satisfaction is priceless.
6. Continuing a longstanding tradition. My great-grandmother was a seamstress at a department store in Baltimore back before ready-to-wear clothing existed. People have been making their own clothes for thousands of years, it's only relatively recent that we can buy clothing off the rack. I feel a connection to all those who came before me, and like to think my great-grandmother is smiling seeing me continue to sew. Plus, many consider it a post-apocalyptic life skill, so it's not a bad thing to know how to sew your own clothes. Just in case.
7. Minimizing my environmental footprint. By sewing with natural materials and staying away from plastic (i.e. polyester), whatever clothing I make, I know will eventually biodegrade. I recycle scraps, and compost whatever I can that comes from my sewing. Making a long-lasting garment means less waste over time.
8. Discouraging the disposable fashion industry that exists on sweatshop labor. If you haven't already, read the book Over-Dressed:  The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline.  You support industries with your dollars when you buy their products. Not purchasing sends a clear message. I will confess that I still shop at stores like Target and Old Navy. I have children who grow out of handmade clothes faster than I can finish stitching the hem. So a large portion of their wardrobe is not handmade. Mine, is. I try to buy quality, classic, investment pieces when I buy clothes, shoes or coats for myself. I also shop at thrift stores and consignment shops. About 40-50% of my wardrobe is now handmade!
9. Handmade lasts. Most of what you find at stores like Target, H&M and Old Navy is disposable clothing. It's not meant to last more than a season, so you're forced to go back again and again to buy the next season's trendy items (see #4 above). A well made garment that fits you beautifully, that you make from quality fabric will last for decades. 
10. NOT to save money. In the initial investment of time and money, you will not save money by sewing your own clothes when compared with shopping at big box stores. There are some gems of fabric stores that carry quality fabric that is discontinued (see my post on Lorraine's here in Rhode Island). Inexpensive is very different from cheap. Sewing with fabric from a thrift or consignment shop can keep your initial cost down. Sewing with crappy fabric from certain big box stores will ensure that your garment will fall apart after a few washes. Read my post about fabric quality here. 

I hope this list has given you something to think about. I'm going to keep sewing my own clothes, and maybe my wardrobe will be closer to 60-75% handmade a year from now!

Why do you sew clothing? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!